First, you should know that it is not the end of the world. Driving with an expired license is generally a minor offense. For example, it is much less serious than driving with a suspended or revoked license.
It may still affect your case, however. For questions about minimizing your potential troubles and maximizing your chance of recovering compensation, contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. We can help you recover compensation in a case like this. Call us today at (954) 525-0050 for a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer in South Florida.
Considerations After a Wreck with an Expired License
It is understandable to be nervous if you were in a car accident while driving with an expired license. On top of the standard issues that follow a car crash, you now have to deal with your expired license’s impact on your case. You might be wondering:
- Can I still file a claim against the other driver?
- Will my insurance company still cover the damage to my car?
- Could I get into legal trouble for driving with an expired license?
- How will an expired license affect my car wreck case?
- Do I need a lawyer?
Our firm can answer all of these questions for you.
Can I Still File a Claim Against the Other Driver?
If the other driver was at fault for your crash, you can still file a claim against them—even if you were driving with an expired license. In Florida, driving with an expired license is not an act of negligence. Thus, your lack of a valid license will not force you to assume additional fault for the wreck.
This means we can pursue compensation from the other driver, in the same manner, we would use if your license was valid. The driver’s insurance will likely pay for your property damage and bodily injuries—up to their policy limits.
We Can Help You File a Lawsuit
An insurance claim would most likely cover your most basic losses following an accident, but we can help you get compensation for virtually any expense through a lawsuit against the negligent party. We can also take this route if the insurance company is denying you fair coverage due to your expired license.
We can help you seek additional compensation for losses such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
This is a non-exhaustive list, and our attorneys can give you a better idea of what you are entitled to in a free consultation.
Will My Insurance Still Cover the Damage to My Vehicle or My Personal Injuries?
Your insurance will still cover at least some of the costs of your accident, but your coverage might fall short of the full amount of your losses. If the other driver was at fault—and you suffered serious injuries (defined by Florida Statutes §627.737) in the crash—their insurance is the one that pays. This is true regardless of the status of your license.
Comparative Negligence
If you were at fault in the crash or the police report indicates that both drivers shared the blame, things can get more complex. Insurance companies might conduct an independent investigation of the crash to determine who was at fault if you seek compensation through the other party’s insurance.
They could find that you were partially at fault, which could mean you are entitled to less compensation. However, an attorney from our firm can fight these claims for you.
You generally first have to report the accident to your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provider to receive compensation. Whether your expired license poses an issue depends on the terms of your policy.
You’re Most Likely in the Clear if Your License is Expired
Almost all car insurance policies become null and void the minute the state suspends or revokes your license. A suspended or revoked license means the courts made a decision to take your license away. Usually, they do this because you broke the law—you got a DUI, you racked up to many moving violations, or you failed to pay a traffic ticket, for instance.
An expired license, more often than not, is the result of an honest mistake. Since you renew your license infrequently, it is easy to let the date slip by and continue to drive with an expired license.
Our Attorneys Can Review Your Policy to See if You are Covered
Insurance companies are usually more forgiving of expired licenses. That said, make sure you check the wording of your policy. Better yet, go over your policy with one of our attorneys.
We can help you determine if there are any exclusions for driving with an expired license. The sooner you contact us, the sooner you can get out in front of any potential issues or hurdles.
Could I get into legal trouble for driving with an expired license?
It is a violation of Florida Statutes §322.03 to drive with an expired license. However, the legal penalties you may face will likely be minor. You may have to pay a fine—and you will likely have to pay a delinquent fee when you renew your license—but you will rarely if ever face criminal charges.
Again, driving on an expired license is much less severe than driving on a suspended or revoked license, which can result in misdemeanor charges, hefty fines, and even jail time.
We Can Help You Navigate Legal Obstacles in Your Case
Still, it would be best if you spoke with one of our lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. Every county in South Florida has its own quirks and nuances for dealing with minor traffic violations. Our attorneys will know the best way to help you and minimize your legal headaches.
How Can I Talk to a Lawyer About My Case?
To set up a free consultation with an attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, call (954) 525-0050 today. We can help preserve your rights if you were in a car crash while driving with an expired license.
We work on a contingency-fee-basis, so there is no risk to you. We only get paid if and when we win your case.
We Can Help.
